Introduction

Last year, the European Union and China celebrated 50 years of diplomatic ties, marking five decades in which bilateral trade increased 300-fold. On May 6, 2026, these two vital global players kickstart a new half-century of relations—at a time when their economic ties remain substantial, but increasingly complex.

For European and Chinese businesses alike, the landscape is shifting. Trade remains robust, yet regulatory scrutiny, geopolitical uncertainty and supply chain realignment are reshaping how companies operate across both markets. At the same time, rapid advances in artificial intelligence and green technologies are creating new opportunities for growth, innovation and strategic partnership. Success in this environment requires more than market access—it demands sharper localisation strategies, deeper regulatory understanding and the ability to identify practical areas of cooperation while managing risk.

China remains central to European companies’ global strategies, evolving from a scale-driven growth market into a value-driven environment that demands long-term vision and continuous innovation. At the same time, Europe’s advanced industrial base and robust regulatory framework are becoming increasingly important destinations for Chinese enterprises expanding internationally. Against this backdrop, businesses on both sides face critical strategic questions: How can European companies deepen localisation and integrate into China’s AI-driven innovation ecosystem? How can Chinese enterprises navigate EU regulatory requirements while building resilient cross-border supply chains? And where can both sides unlock new opportunities for collaboration—driving technological synergy, optimising resources and managing risk in an increasingly complex global environment?

To address these challenges, CEIBS, in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union to China, will host the forum “Reimagining China-EU Business in the Age of AI”. Bringing together senior leaders from business, government and academia, the forum offers a platform to exchange insights, explore emerging opportunities and develop strategies for operating effectively across both markets.

Join the conversation to gain actionable perspectives on navigating complexity and building resilient, future-ready businesses in the evolving China–EU landscape.

Event Details

Date: May 8, 2026
Time: 9:00-11:55
Venue: Jade Ballroom, Kempinski Hotel, Beijing Yansha Center
Organiser: China Europe International Business School (CEIBS)
Supporting Partner: European Union Chamber of Commerce in China (EUCCC), CEIBS AIMI Research Center, Geekbang, China-Italy Chamber of Commerce
Contact: For more information, please contact Stefanie LI at lstefanie@ceibs.edu.

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Agenda

* Speakers are subject to change.